If you’re looking for Edmonton orthodontists who can work on your or your child’s orthodontic issues, you’ll probably hear the word “malocclusion.” In fact, malocclusions are the bread and butter of the orthodontic industry. They’re what orthodontists spend most of their time on, and the science of orthodontics is all about discovering new and better ways to treat malocclusions. If you want advanced details about how malocclusions work, Edmonton orthodontists are the best people to talk to. However, if you want a few basic facts before going to an appointment, here’s a simple introduction.
What’s a malocclusion?
The word itself has Latin roots—occludere, meaning “to close,” and “mal,” meaning “bad.” Put these two together, and you get “malocclusion,” meaning “bad closure.” Word origins aside, an orthodontic malocclusion is what happens when the jaw doesn’t close properly. There are many possible causes for this, including underbite, crossbite, overbite, or tooth crowding. Many malocclusions are not serious enough to warrant treatment from Edmonton orthodontists. However, some types can be quite serious, leading to chewing difficulties and gum decay. These are the malocclusions that call for early treatment.
How do malocclusions happen?
There are many things that contribute to malocclusions. Genetics play a role, but it can also come from bad chewing habits, environmental factors, and poor nutrition. One of the most common causes of malocclusions is the habit of sucking one’s fingers or thumbs. This can cause a child’s jaw to grow improperly, leading to one of many types of malocclusions. Although such issues generally develop among growing children, they can also happen due to habits or wear and tear in adults.
How Edmonton orthodontists assess malocclusions
Some malocclusions are so obvious that your dentist should be able to recognize a problem just by looking at it. In this case, your dentist will probably give you the names of Calgary orthodontists who can give a more definitive diagnosis. Other malocclusions can only be detected through X-rays or plaster impressions, which is why it’s a good idea to take children in for orthodontic check-ups at regular intervals.
How Edmonton orthodontists treat malocclusions
When it comes to dealing with malocclusions, there are three main categories of treatment:
- Fixed mouth appliances: Usually braces, these are fixtures placed inside the mouth to help shift the jaw to a healthier and more normal alignment. Braces tend to work best in young people whose bone structures are still developing.
- Removable appliances: The most common types of removable orthodontic appliances are retainers and headgear. These operate in a similar manner to braces, but they can be removed and are generally only used during sleep.
- Surgery: For certain types of malocclusions, Edmonton orthodontists may perform one-time operations.
How are malocclusions prevented?
In general, malocclusions are easier to prevent than they are to fix, which is why orthodontics is by nature a preventative practice. It’s important to begin regular dental and orthodontic check-ups at a young age, and parents should also work to enforce good dental habits at home. Children should be discouraged from sucking thumbs or fingers, and they should be taught good brushing and flossing practices as early as possible.
